Hi Nairalanders, let's discuss drug addictions, it's effect, addiction support and rehabilitation.

First and foremost, I believe NAFDAC and NDLEA are not doing enough in curbing drug epidemic in Nigeria. Take it or leave it, illicit drug usage is all over Nigeria, not just one section or region.

Also I believe, big conglomerates, big religious centres can help in building standard rehabilitation centres around the country as a form of corporate social responsibility.

Lastly, I believe the government has misplaced priority in going after users, couriers and mid level dealers leaving out the heavyweights.

Back to the thread, we will focus on these 11 illicit drugs;

1) Amphetamine

2) Barbiturates

3) Benzodiazepines

4) Cocaine

5) Cannabis

6) Methadone

7) Methaqualone

Opiates.

9) Phencyclidine.

10) Propoxyphene

11) Shrooms

1) Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

On the street, it's called, “glass,” “meth,” “shards,” ice,” or “Tina,” among those who make, distribute, and use this highly addictive drug. But among the general public and in the news, it’s called “crystal meth," a reference to the fact that it resembles shards of glass crystals.

There are different kinds of street amphetamines. Common ones and some of their slang terms are:

Amphetamine: goey, louee, speed, uppers, whiz
Dextroamphetamine (ADHD medicine used illegally): dexies, kiddie-speed, pep pills, uppers; black beauty (when combined with amphetamine)
Methamphetamine (crystal solid form): base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, wax
Methamphetamine (liquid form): leopard's blood, liquid red, ox blood, red speed

This relatively common drug has remained popular among recreational drug users because it works quickly and produces an intense euphoric sensation. Since it’s easily made in home labs, there’s a steady and easily accessible stream of the product for those who become addicted.

Crystal meth can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. It’s often used at parties because it increases wakefulness and allows you to stay alert for longer than normal.

Amphetamines can harm the body in many ways, and lead to:

Appetite decrease and weight loss

Heart problems such as fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and heart attack

High body temperature and skin flushing

Memory loss, problems thinking clearly, and stroke

Mood and emotional problems such as aggressive or violent behavior, depression, and suicide

Ongoing hallucinations and inability to tell what is real

Restlessness and tremors

Skin sores

Sleep problems

Tooth decay (meth mouth)

Death

People who use these drugs, especially methamphetamine, have a high chance of getting HIV and hepatitis B and C. This can be through sharing used needles with someone who has an infection. Or, it can be through having unsafe sex because drug use can lead to risky behaviors.

Amphetamines can cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Also, street drugs are not safe during breastfeeding.

Addiction happens when you use amphetamines to get high or improve performance. Addiction means your body and mind are dependent on the drug. You are not able to control your use of it and you need it to get through daily life.

Addiction can lead to tolerance. Tolerance means you need more and more of the drug to get the same high feeling. And if you try to stop using, your mind and body may have reactions. These are called withdrawal symptoms, and may include:

Strong craving for the drug

Having mood swings that range from feeling depressed to agitated to anxious

Feeling tired all day

Not able to concentrate

Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)

Physical reactions may include headaches, aches and pains, increased appetite, not sleeping well

So how does Amphetamine work?

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are drugs used to combat fatigue. Like cocaine, amphetamines increase the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic gap, but by a different mechanism. Amphetamines are similar in structure to dopamine, and so can enter the terminal button of the presynaptic neuron via its dopamine transporters as well as by diffusing through the neural membrane directly. As the animation to the right shows, once inside the presynaptic neuron, amphetamines force the dopamine molecules out of their storage vesicles and expel them into the synaptic gap by making the dopamine transporters work in reverse.

Amphetamines also seem to act by several other mechanisms. For example, they seem to reduce the reuptake of dopamine and, in high concentrations, to inhibit monoamine oxydase A (MAO-A).

Amphetamines may also excite dopaminergic neurons via glutamate neurons. Amphetamines would thus remove an inhibiting effect due to metabotropic glutamate receptors. By thus releasing this natural brake, amphetamines would make the dopaminergic neuron more readily excitable.

https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/Amphetamine


Basically, it increases volume and availability of dopamine in the brain. Lay terms mine.

For popular icons who died due to addiction, check this link.
https://www.drugs.com/celebrity_deaths.html

What are the street names of Meth in Nigeria.
You can also tell us about your experience(s) with Meth, Name and address of Rehab centres in your neighbourhood.